Cultural education research at the College of Education

Dr. Tim Jester (right) of UAA's College of Education is wrapping up a four-year (2007-2011) research project titled "Intercultural Field Experiences in Alaska Native Village Schools." The study is examining the cross-cultural field experiences of 73 pre-service teachers and the results will be used as a way to prepare teachers in Alaska to teach indigenous students and a growing diverse student population. Data collection was completed in spring 2011 and manuscripts are in development.

This summer, Dr. Jester also received a Policy Study Grant that was awarded by the Center for Alaska Education Policy Research (CAEPR) for a project titled "Alaska Multicultural Education Course and Teacher Certification Policy." The policy implementation study will examine Alaska's requirement for teachers to complete an approved course in multicultural education for initial teacher certification. Work will be completed by summer 2012.